The parts list would sound right at home in the NISMO racing aftermarket catalogue – Limited-Slip Differential, close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission with triple-cone synchros in 1st and 2nd gears and strengthened clutch cover, oversize vented disc brakes with upgraded brake pads, racing-style Recaro® seats, smoked light covers. Only this parts list has only one box to check, the one marked 2014 Nissan JUKE NISMO RS.

The new JUKE NISMO RS, the fourth and leanest, meanest member of the Nissan JUKE lineup, comes complete from the factory with more horsepower, sharper handling, better braking and more attitude than any JUKE that has come before.

The new JUKE NISMO RS joins four other available 2014 JUKE models: the JUKE, SV, SL, and JUKE NISMO. With the exception of the JUKE NISMO RS, each grade level is offered in front-wheel drive or with and advanced torque vectoring all-wheel drive.

Unique NISMO RS engine, Suspension, Steering and Brake Tuning With the addition of the NISMO RS, JUKE buyers now have three distinct levels of drivetrain tuning to choose from to fit their driving style and needs. Every JUKE model starts with one of the most advanced engines in the Nissan portfolio – an inline 4-cylinder 1.6-litre DOHC aluminum-alloy Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG™) turbocharged engine.

The engine's direct injection helps improve combustion, enhancing power, torque, economy and emissions. The use of the turbocharger and intercooler also help boost power, while the variable timing control for both intake and exhaust cycles improves low-end engine response. For use in the JUKE, SV and SL grades, the engine is rated at 188-horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque.

The JUKE NISMO increases the engine's performance to 197 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Also added to the JUKE NISMO are a NISMO-tuned suspension and 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.

Then there's the front-wheel drive NISMO RS with a 6-speed manual transmission, which ups JUKE's factory power to a 215 horsepower (at 6,000 rpm) and 210 lb-ft of torque (from 3,600 to 4,800 rpm).

Changes to the engine to create the higher power and torque figures include optimized engine control (ECU) settings and a revised exhaust system with a larger main tube diameter and revised baffling. The JUKE NISMO RS's exhaust has also been tuned to create a highly visceral sound, worthy of its racing-inspired roots. The exhaust system is capped by a chromed tailpipe finisher.

The engine's connecting rod durability has also been enhanced for use with higher torque settings with the manual transmission, along with a strengthened clutch cover and dual mass flywheel. The high capacity 6-speed manual used in the JUKE NISMO RS is a different transmission than available in the other JUKE NISMO models and uses lower gear ratios in 1st through 3rd gears for quicker acceleration.

The JUKE NISMO RS' manual transmission offers a standard helical-geared Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) to direct more power to the front wheel with the most traction, helping maintain acceleration during cornering. It also helps reduce torque steer, adding to the sense of driving excitement.

A significant bolster to JUKE NISMO RS's engaging driving dynamics is a series of special body and chassis reinforcements designed to help increase overall rigidity. The additional reinforcements and fixing points are used primarily to increase steering precision and quicker response of the NISMO RS versus the JUKE NISMO.

In addition, the suspension and steering have been specially tuned to provide a more exciting and agile driving feel (versus non-RS models) without compromising ride comfort and noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). Spring rates and damping force have been retuned and the front suspension link reinforced to enhance steering feel and response.

Like the JUKE NISMO, the NISMO RS's suspension has been lowered slightly versus non-NISMO JUKE models, reducing the gap between the tires and wheelwells for a cleaner appearance and improved aerodynamics. An independent MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension are utilized, and a cradle-type front subframe enhances lateral stiffness of the assembly. Front and rear stabilizer bars are standard.

The Electric Power-assist Steering (EPS) has also been retuned for use in the NISMO RS. The JUKE NISMO RS braking system includes 4-wheel vented discs, larger brake rotors in front (12.6 inches versus 11.7 inches), vented rotors in the rear (versus non-vented in non-RS models), red-painted calipers and upgraded brake pads.

Racing-Inspired Exterior and Interior The JUKE NISMO RS shares much of its racing-inspired exterior modifications with the JUKE NISMO. Compared to the standard JUKE, JUKE NISMO and NISMO RS show a 37-per cent improvement in aerodynamic performance – thanks to items such as the front fascia and grille, which have been modified to better control airflow to the engine. The unique front end features a lower and more aggressive design. The regular fog lights have been replaced by thin-strip LED accent lights, positioned at the top edge of small vents to the side of the larger grille.

A NISMO-themed "red stripe" accent line starts on the upper edge of the large lower grille and curves around the smaller vents and continues all the way to the front wheel arches. This distinctive NISMO cue gives the nose a visual width and presence while emphasizing the Juke NISMO's athletic stance on the road. The signature Nissan V-strut grille is finished in a darker shade than standard JUKE models. The distinctive JUKE combination lights are smoked as part of the NISMO appearance treatment.

NISMO RS badges with a red "O" are located on the front grille and to the right of the rear liftgate. The red pinstripe continues on the flanks of the car at the base of the doors. The sculpted side skirts enhance aerodynamic performance, directing airflow around the rear wheels and away from the car as quickly and efficiently as possible.

The JUKE NISMO RS's muscular, body-coloured wheel arches enhance the visual stance, while the door mirrors are painted red to give a visual indication that these are not standard Nissan JUKEs. The B-pillars are finished in gloss "piano black," also promoting a sleek and sporty image.

In the rear, the bumper is deeper than on non-NISMO models and the red pinstripe is also visible on the black sill. The unique body-coloured liftgate spoiler and rear fascia diffuser complete the body modifications.

Also part of the dramatic exterior appearance are the unique 18-inch lightweight aluminum-alloy wheels with 225/45R18 Continental ContiSportContact5 summer tires, which help give drivers additional grip during cornering and further boost the JUKE NISMO RS's on-road presence. The diamond-cut alloys feature a 10 twin-spoke design and are finished in dark anthracite. The 2014 Nissan JUKE NISMO RS is available in three exterior colours – Sapphire Black, Brilliant Silver and Pearl White.

Inside, JUKE NISMO RS's biggest departure from the JUKE NISMO is the addition of genuine Recaro® front seats trimmed in red leather-appointed side bolsters and black suede center inserts. The seats, based on the popular Recaro® "Sportster" design, are designed to help hold the driver and front passenger firmly in place during spirited driving. They feature embossed Recaro® and stitched NISMO logos, along with red stitching.

The JUKE NISMO RS also offers an exclusive "RS" logo on the speedometer and charcoal grey suede (with red stitching) meter hood. The surface trim around the center stack and shifter features a special carbon fibre look.

The rear seats also feature red stitching. Other standard content includes privacy glass, Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Start and the I-CON (Integrated Control) system with automatic air conditioning.